Data sources:

Study selection and assessment:

English-language, qualitative empirical studies of the sexual behaviour of young people (10–25 y) that were published between
1990 and 2004 and reported empirical, non-numerical data. Studies that focused exclusively on commercial sex work or child
sexual abuse were excluded. 268 studies met the selection criteria. Individual studies were assessed for quality and classified
as primary (high quality studies providing theoretical insight into sexual behaviour or thorough descriptions of particular
contexts) and secondary (lower quality studies that had simple, non-detailed descriptions or did not support statements with
evidence).

MAIN FINDINGS

7 key themes emerged. (1) Young people subjectively assess the risks from sexual partners on the basis of whether they are “clean” or “unclean.” Young people determined the disease risk of a potential partner by indicators such as social position or appearance. (2)
Sexual partners have …